New Hampshire is one of the snowiest states in America – and in my opinion, that makes it one of the prettiest places to visit in Winter. The weather can be fickle, but its Hallmark-esqe towns and landscape make it worth the effort.
I have visited New Hampshire several times while staying with family. Read on for my recommended towns, restaurants, and activities.
Winter in the White Mountains
Nestlenook Farm │ Jackson, NH
Nestlenook Farm is located deep within the White Mountains, in the quaint town of Jackson, NH. The 65-acre farm boasts lodging, a gazebo, arched bridges, a large skating pond, fire pits, and walking trails. There is even an open-air chapel!
During the winter, enjoy a sleigh ride over the river and through the woods, or iceskate on a pond from a Currier and Ives painting. Make your reservation here.
Red Fox Bar and Grille │ (3 minutes away from Nestlenook Farm)
Only three minutes away from Nestlenook Farm, the Red Fox Bar and Grille is by far the coziest restaurant I’ve experienced. The building is a classic red barn with exposed beams and warm lighting. Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, burgers, wines, and soups – perfect for warming up after a sleigh ride at Nestlenook Farm.
Omni Mountain Washington Resort │ Bretton Woods, NH
The 40-minute drive (northwest) through the mountains from Nestlenook Farm to the Omni Mountain Washington Resort is gorgeous. We even spotted a moose!
The Omni Mountain Washington Resort is a Gilded Age hotel built in 1902.
During the summer of 1944, the resort was famously used for the Bretton Woods Conference; 44 allied countries discussed post WWII “international economic cooperation.” The result? The creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMG) and the World Bank. Learn more about this crucial piece of history here.
Snap a photo under the mistletoe on the veranda overlooking Mount Washington (the highest peak in the Northeastern United States).
During December, the great hall boasts a 13-foot Christmas tree.
The resort offers a spa, golf course, zipline, and 464-acre Alpine ski slopes. Cozy up at the fireplace in the great hall or enjoy a drink in the prohibition-era speakeasy. For more information, visit here.
Ice Castles │ Woodstock, NH
The Ice Castles of Woodstock, NH are exactly what they sound like. These massive tunnels are handcrafted by ice sculptors in the midst of the White Mountains. Watch this video for more information on the creation of the ice castles.
Activities include exploring the ice castles, sleigh rides, ice slides, sledding, a winter walking trail, and LED lights. There is also a concessions bar.
Note: You will be walking on packed ice, so wear appropriate shoes. Tennis shoes will not suffice.
To buy tickets, visit their website here.
Winter on the Coast
Strawberry Banke │ Portsmouth, NH
The Strawberry Banke Museum is a living history town in the heart of Portsmouth, NH. The foundation oversees twenty-four historical homes, heirloom gardens, and extensive archaeological sites.
We attended the Candlelight Stroll, where the historic streets of Strawberry Banke were lit up with hundreds of lanterns. The reenactors, musicians, and ice skaters brought the little town to life. For tickets to the Candlelight Stroll, visit here.
Surf Portsmouth │Portsmouth, NH
Only three minutes from Strawberry Banke, Surf Portsmouth is a delicious seafood restaurant on the Old Harbour.
Surf Portsmouth is on the pricier side (between $30-$50 for an entree), but well worth a special occasion. Their menu features sushi, New England lobster, a raw bar, and classics.
You can place a reservation (over the phone) here.
Honorable Mentions
Concord, NH
Downtown Concord, NH
Concord is the capital of New Hampshire. I have been there a few times and would suggest visiting:
- The Works Café – Sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and coffee
- Candletree – Unique candle store
- Cobblestone Design Company
- New Hampshire State House
These stores and sites are all within walking distance of each other.
The Common Man Restaurant │Concord, NH
The Common Man is only a few minutes away from downtown Concord.
They serve comfort food and provide a warm, casual environment – perfect for the family. Check out their gift shop for local goodies.
If you end up loving the Common Man, you’re in luck. There are several around the state of New Hampshire. Check out their story here.
I give all credit to my mother-in-law, who researched and planned these trips each time we came up to visit. Shout out to Stacey!
New Hampshire feels very welcoming to someone living in the South. After all – we all share the same beautiful Appalachian mountains.
Let’s get back to our roots!
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